11:30 LRN Newscast January 31

The loss of excitement for Sunday’s Super Bowl is not just contained to the state of Louisiana. A recent national poll shows compared to last year, the number of people intrigued with the big game is down significantly. Pollster Ron Faucheux says last year, 21% of those polled had a high interest in the game, but this year is a different story.
Cut 3 (08) “…year to another.”
And Faucheux says the poll shows that 50-percent of those surveyed have no interest at all, which is up from 45-percent from the year before.

Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry went on a rant last night following his team’s loss to Denver. He’s upset over a report that said one reason for Anthony Davis’ trade demands is that the Saints are more of a priority for ownership. Gentry says that couldn’t be farther from the truth…
cut 7 (07) “…supportive”
Gentry says the Pelicans practice facility is one of the best in the NBA.

A Tulane study raises concerns that scientists are underestimating the rate of sea level rise in low lying coastal zones. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

There are reports LSU and football coach Ed Orgeron are working on a contract extension, but it make take a few weeks to get finalized. The LSU Board of Supervisors’ next meeting is in March and they would have to approve a new deal. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran…
cut 14 (05) “…resistance this”

10:30 AM Newscast

 

The American Lung Association says Louisiana needs to consider a dramatic increase in their cigarette tax….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Two people are dead following a head on crash in Sabine Parish. State Police say a Mazda Miata being driven by Joy Rains of Robeline lost control of her vehicle while traveling on LA Hwy 1217 and crossed into the path of a Chevy driven by Jackie Hardy.  Neither of the drivers survived and neither were wearing seat belts.  A passenger in the Chevy received serious injuries and was transported to a hospital.

 

There are reports that LSU and Coach Ed Orgeron are working on a contract extension. Orgeron’s current deal expires after the 2021 season. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s not surprising to hear this news, with the traditional signing day for college football coming up on Wednesday…
cut 15 (08) “…to your program”
Orgeron’s current contract pays him 3.5 million dollars a year.

According to the American Gaming Association, 1-in-6 viewers of the Super Bowl will have money on the game.  Currently, sports betting is legal in eight states.  AGA spokesperson Sara Slane says two of the states that legalized sports betting last year, Mississippi and Rhode Island, have introduced bills to fully legalize wagering via mobile devices.

Cut 12 (08) “…offer convenient access.”
Legislation is likely to be introduced this year to have sports betting legalized in Louisiana.

9:30 LRN Newscast January 31

The American Lung Association has released a series of recommendations on how the state can reduce the percentage of adults who use tobacco, which is 29-percent. They suggest raising the cigarette tax, strengthen existing statewide smokefree laws and Director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly says increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21-years-old….
cut 6 (09) “…the adults”
The C-D-C says 12-percent of high schoolers smoke cigarettes in Louisiana.

A Tulane study finds that the sea level could be rising faster than originally thought in low-lying areas of Louisiana. Researcher Molly Keough says tide gauges are only telling part of the story, because the land is also sinking. Keough says one way to help build up the coast is river diversion projects that have been talked about for several years…
cut 9 (11) “….through science”

The details are apparently still being finalized, but reports say LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron will receive a contract extension. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Still waiting on a ruling from a federal judge in New Orleans regarding the no call lawsuit filed against the NFL by two Saints season ticket holders. The upset fans are trying to get the courts to force the NFL to invoke a rule that could result in a do over the NFC Championship game. But the Super Bowl is only a few days away and legal analysts say it was a long shot lawsuit to begin with.

8:30 LRN Newscast January 31

Louisiana receives a failing grade on the American Lung Association’s Tobacco Control Report Card. One of the biggest reasons, Louisiana’s below average cigarette tax that sits at 1.08 cents a pack. Director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly says if Louisiana were to double that per pack tax, the state would see a notable drop in the number of smokers…
Cut 4 (07) “…to use tobacco.”
The average national cigarette tax is 1.79 per pack.

LSU and football coach Ed Orgeron are reportedly working on a contract extension. Sources say details are still being finalized. Orgeron’s current deal runs through the 2021 season, guaranteeing Coach O $3.5 million a year. Tiger Rag editor James Moran says news of an extension isn’t shocking.
Cut 13 (10) “…weeks to come.”
Orgeron’s annual salary ranks among the bottom half in the SEC.

A Tulane study raises concerns that scientists are underestimating the rate the sea level is rising in low lying coastal zones. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A Houma teenager was killed last night in a two-vehicle wreck on LA 311 in Terrebonne Parish. State Police say an elderly driver failed to stop at a stop sign and hit 16-year-old Benjamin Chabert’s vehicle. Chabert’s pick-up truck ran off the road and ended up submerged in a bayou. Also, two unrestrained drivers were killed last night in a two-vehicle wreck in Sabine Parish on Highway 1217. 67-year-old Joy Rains of Robeline and 48-year-old Jackie Hardy of Many were killed.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 31

Tulane releases a study that says sea levels are rising faster than thought along coastal Louisiana, because the land is also sinking. Fifth-year P-H-D student and lead author of the study Molly Keogh…
cut 8 (11) fluid withdrawal”
Last week, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans to spend 350-million dollars on coastal restoration and flood protection projects.

According to the American Gaming Association, 1-in-6 viewers of the Super Bowl will have money on the game. AGA spokesperson Sara Slane….
Cut 10 (13) “…all of 2018.”
Legalizing sports betting is expected to be a hot topic in the upcoming regular session.

The American Lung Association says Louisiana needs to consider a dramatic increase in their cigarette tax….
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Viewership for the Super Bowl is expected to be down in Louisiana, because of the missed pass interference call in the NFC Championship game. But it appears interest is down nationwide. A Monmouth poll finds only 16-percent of respondents are very interested in the Super Bowl, compared to 21-percetn last year. And 50-percent say they have no interest at all, up from 45-percent last year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 31

The 19th ranked LSU basketball team won its tenth straight last night as Tremont Waters poured in 36 points as the Tigers defeated Texas A-and-M 72-57. Waters hit a career-high six three-pointers. LSU remains tied for first place in the SEC with Tennessee, who is also 7-0 in league play.

In other college hoops action, Sam Houston improved to 8-0 in the Southland with a 62-52 win over Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions fall to 4-4 in league play. Lamar thumped Nicholls 90-69. The Colonels are 3-4 in the Southland. UNO upended Northwestern State 72-64.

The short-handed Pelicans lost to Denver 105-99 last night. Anthony Davis missed his sixth straight game because of an injured finger. There’s now a report the Pels may keep Davis off the floor until they trade him. The NBA trade deadline is February seventh. A-D did not appear in the intro video last night.

There are reports that LSU and Coach Ed Orgeron are working on a contract extension. Orgeron’s current deal expires after the 2021 season. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s not surprising to hear this news, with the traditional signing day for college football coming up on Wednesday…
cut 15 (08) “…to your program”
Orgeron’s current contract pays him 3.5 million dollars a year.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has finally addressed the no call in the NFC Championship game, but didn’t provide a lot of answers. Goodell said during a Q-and-A session with reporters in Atlanta that he never considered a redo of the game, because of the blown call.

Coach Sean Payton also spoke yesterday, but it’s what he didn’t say that’s grabbing headlines. It appears Payton is wearing a Goodell is a clown T-Shirt underneath another shirt. Payton admits to speaking with the commissioner in the days following the NFC title game, but he didn’t elaborate on what was discussed.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 31

Tulane researchers say current models estimating the level of sea level rise in low lying coastal areas are underestimating how quickly we’re sliding into the sea. Wetland scientist and grad student Molly Keogh says the sea level is rising about a half inch every year, but Louisiana’s coast is also sinking, which has profound implications.
cut 7 (09) “…sea level rise”
Keogh says communities in low-lying areas may be more vulnerable to flooding than we realized and that has implications for city and emergency planners.

You can’t bet on the Super Bowl legally in Louisiana, but the American Gaming Association has released a survey that finds eight out of ten people support the legalization of sports betting in their state…
cut 11 (08) “….federal ban”
A bill to legalize sports betting in Louisiana is expected to be debated in the regular session.

The details are apparently still being finalized, but reports say LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron will receivie a contract extension. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

19th ranked LSU won its 10th straight last night as Tremont Waters hit a career-high six three-pointers and finished with 36 points in a 72-57 win over Texas A-and-M.

LRN AM NEWSCALL 01.31.19

The American Lung Association says Louisiana needs to consider a dramatic increase in their cigarette tax….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

A Tulane study raises concerns that scientists are underestimating the rate the sea level ins low lying coastal zones. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

The details are apparently still being finalized, but reports say LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron will receivie a contract extension.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Louisiana receives a failing grade on the American Lung Association’s Tobacco Control Report Card. One of the biggest reasons, Louisiana’s below average cigarette tax that sits at 1.08 cents a pack. Director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly says if Louisiana were to double that per pack tax, the state would see a notable drop in the number of smokers.

Cut 4 (07) “…to use tobacco.”

The average national cigarette tax is 1.79 per pack of 20.

Lyerly says the state is doing a poor job properly funding programs that help residents quit, or keep them from starting in the first place, evidenced by how much the state would need to spend to meet a CDC recommended level of funding for tobacco prevention initiatives…

Cut 5 (09) “…that recommended level.”

The report notes 23 percent of Louisianans smoke, a habit that comes with a 1.89 billion dollar price tag, and over seven thousand deaths a year for the state.

Finally, the ALA calls for all states to adopt a minimum purchase age for tobacco products of 21-years-old, the same age as alcohol. Lyerly says if you can keep people from smoking in their youth, they are far less likely to become smokers as adults.

 Cut 6 (09) “…the adults.”

The CDC says 12 percent of high schoolers, and four percent of middle schoolers smoke cigarettes in Louisiana.

___________________________________________________

Tulane researchers say current models estimating the level of sea level rise in low lying coastal areas are underestimating how quickly we’re sliding into the sea. Wetland scientist and grad student Molly Keogh says at the moment they believe we’re losing about a half inch of relative sea level every year, but it may be more than that, a problem that could have profound implications.

Cut 7 (09) “…sea level rise.”

Keogh says the general sea level is on the rise due to the usual suspects related to climate change, but Louisiana and other marshlands are particularly susceptible because rising seas aren’t the only factor involved in our gradual sinking.

Cut 8 (11) “…fluid withdrawal.

Keogh says due to the vulnerable nature of Louisiana’s heavily coastal population, the state is pursuing a several innovative coastal restoration plans, including an effort in New Orleans to retain more water from rainstorms to help prevent soil compaction, and river diversion projects.

Cut 9 (11) “…through science.″

_________________________________

According to the American Gaming Association, 1-in-6 viewers of the Super Bowl will have money on the game, with 52 percent betting on the Rams, and 48 percent betting on the Patriots.  AGA spokesperson Sara Slane says that means there’s plenty of money up for grabs this Sunday.

Cut 10 (13) “…all of 2018.”

Legislation is likely to be introduced this year to have sports betting legalized in Louisiana.  Slane says across the nation, eight out of ten people support the legalization of sports betting in their state.

Cut 11 (08) “…the federal ban.”

Currently sports betting is legal in eight states.  Two of the states that legalized sports betting last year, Mississippi and Rhode Island, have introduced bills to fully legalize wagering via mobile devices.

Cut 12 (08) “…offer convenient access.”

_______________________

There are reports LSU and head football coach Ed Orgeron are working on a contract extension. Sources say the precise details are still being finalized.  Orgeron’s current deal runs through the 2021 season, guaranteeing Coach O $3.5 million yearly.  Tiger Rag editor James Moran says news of an extension isn’t shocking.

Cut 13 (10) “…weeks to come.”

Orgeron’s current base pay makes him the 36th highest paid head coach in college football, putting him in the bottom half of the SEC head coaches.  Moran says any new contract would need approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors and they next meet March 15th.

Cut 14 (05) “resistance to this.”

Moran says locking Orgeron in as head coach to a longer contract would be beneficial in attracting top end talent.

Cut 15 (08) “…to your program.”

530PM LRN News

Saints Coach Sean Payton responded to the heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship like many of us after a bad break-up. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell addressed the controversial NFC Championship no-call today at a press conference, saying he understands the fans’ frustrations, and that it was a “play we want to have called”. But, admitting it was a missed call, Goodell says he’s confident officiating in the NFL is better now than it has ever been.

Cut 7 (11) “…they’re human”

Gueydan High School in Vermilion Parish reopened today following a two-day closure for a bat infestation.  The initial bat sightings lead school leaders to believe it was a small problem, but Vermilion Schools Superintendent Jerome Puyau says they learned there were about 600 bats inhabiting the school. Puyau says an expert had to be brought in to identify how the bats got into the area, as well as to execute a protocol for getting the bats out, as these types of bats are endangered.

Cut 13 (13) “…cave would be.”

And LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is reportedly set to receive a contract extension after the Tiger’s best year since 2013, at a 10-3 record. O’s current contract runs through 2021 and pays him 3.5 million annually.

4:30 PM Newscast

Saints head coach Sean Payton spoke publicly today for the first time since one of the darkest days in the history of Louisiana sports, the NFC Championship loss against the LA Rams now known as the Bayou Burglary. Payton says teams encounter disappoints throughout the season, but as tough as this one is, they’ll get past it.
Cut 4 (11) “…at it again.″

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the controversial NFC Championship no-call today at a press conference, saying he understands the fans’ frustrations, and that it was a “play we want to have called”. Goodell noted that suggestions that no-calls should be challengeable have been met with significant resistance in the past, due to the complicated and unforeseen consequences of such a significant expansion of officiating oversight.
Cut 8 (11) “no flag”

 

The eastbound side of the I-210 Bridge in Lake Charles will be shut down for the next several months while it undergoes extensive repair work starting at 9PM today. In the meantime, traffic will be maintained in both directions, but on the westbound side. DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says drivers approaching the structure should expect some new traffic diversions.

Cut 9 (12) “outside lane″

Gueydan High School in Vermilion Parish reopened today following a two-day closure for a bat infestation.  The initial bat sightings lead school leaders to believe it was a small problem, but Vermilion Schools Superintendent Jerome Puyau says they learned there were about 600 bats inhabiting the school.

Cut 12 (09)   “…clusters of hundreds.”